Hapuna Golf Course stretches along the beautiful Kohala coastline before rising to over 700 feet above sea level. The snow-topped Mauna Kea volcano serves as a dramatic backdrop and there are seemingly endless views of the Pacific. Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay collaborated to create a visually stunning links course that utilizes the natural contours of the landscape and silky fescue grasses.

Hapuna Golf Course stretches along the beautiful Kohala coastline before rising to over 700 feet above sea level. The snow-topped Mauna Kea volcano serves as a dramatic backdrop and there are seemingly endless views of the Pacific. Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay collaborated to create a visually stunning links course that utilizes the natural contours of the landscape and silky fescue grasses. The design team has received praise for not only the challenge of the design but also for how seamlessly it blends into the existing environment. Palmer incorporated several risk-reward opportunities, especially with the par 5s, the14th is a good example. There are many ways to play this hole, which features a large ravine on the right and a wide, but shallow green. Long hitters can reach the green in two but short hitters prefer two shots and a par 3.

Reader Ratings / Reviews

I have played this course some 60 times over the last 12 years and it never disappoints. There is not a better place to play in Hawaii for the price. The staff has always been accommodating.

by David George on November 16th, 2013 22:15

This course demands all the shots and offers many shot options. Unlike many "resort courses" you can't just pull out the driver and slam it somewhere out there in a fairway that is 100 yards wide and then worry about the second shot. Both placement and distance are important considerations off the tee. The greens are medium sized and well protected by bunkers or elevation changes. On the green, it is reasonably important to keep the ball below the hole, but you can survive downhill puts on most holes. A fair amount of elevation change through out the course.You can get around the course without your A game if your mental game is engaged, but you will shoot a big number if the neurons quit firing.

The green fees are a fair value for such an fine layout. Try to play in the morning, if the afternoon winds come up, the course can be a beast. Overall, one of my favorites on the Big Island.

by steve on December 14th, 2012 09:56

Challenging course with wind. Truly liked the different set up with some easy par 4s and good strong par 5's. As a 10 handicap this course is interesting with many great views and changes in topography. Great value for Kona golf. Under the radar in terms of marketing . A good thing to keep prices down. Low key and good practice facility too.

by Ken on January 23rd, 2011 10:44

Its surprising to see some of these reviews. I've played Hapuna a dozen times over the past 5 years and found it to be one of the most scenic and interesting of the upscale courses on the Big Island. It is far less daunting than Mauna Kea, but still requires thought and shot making. It has much more challenge than ANY of the other Big Island public courses regardless of price. Via Hawaii Golf Deals it is an absolute steal of a value.

The staff issues are not my experience. Pro shop, on course and F&B staff were all first rate from 2005-2010.

Despite the rep of the Kohala courses for wind, I've always found it to be less windy here even when nearby courses are virtually unplayable (although I've been told not everyone has had the same experience).

by Gord on January 15th, 2011 15:19

Jan 09/11 discussed tee times, rates with lady in pro shop. Very polite and accomodating. Jan 10/11 different lady behind acounter refused to accept discount coupon first stating was not valid that day, then saying it was only valid when first player paid full price, then second player paid half price. Coupon had no resrictions or validity whatsoever. She called phoned her manager (Richard)who only agreed to accept after I told him I was going to spread this experience on the internet. Staff approached was different than on the first day. Never going back. Insulting behaviour

by ScottN on January 07th, 2011 09:45

Played Hapuna 12/26/2010. Had a 9:30 tee time. Dropped off the clubs and they were waiting in the cart after checkin. Very nice person at the pro shop to check is in. Went to the range with the complimentary small bucket of balls. Many more left there if you needed more warm up. The course is just memorable. Views down to the ocean on many holes. No holes on the ocean. Beautiful scenery of Mauna Kea mountain and surrounding area. Saw wild goats of all things near the course. Fairways and greens are perfect. Need to have accuracy off the tee as the fairways are not generous but the course is very playable. If you are not a single digit handicap, still with the resort tees for a fun time.

by Don on December 02nd, 2010 06:57

Course is always in nice shape but the rough is very punitive. If you ball is not in the fairwaay, plan on pending lots of time finding it. You almost have to step on it to find it.

by Lionell on November 11th, 2010 15:00

This is a beautiful golf course. The fairways are pristine and the greens fast. This was a very good golf experience. I do however feel that the staff was very cold and unwelcoming. When I walked into the golf shop I stood at the counter while who I think was the pro begrudgingly spoke to me. I was the only one at the counter and he asked a lady who was checking inventory to check me in. I had a 7am tee time so I wanted to hit the links and get back with my family for the rest of the days activities. She continued what she was doing for a few minutes and then finally checked me in. After that was the golf which was great. After my round, I received the same treatment when I asked for a bag tag. The starter started looking for a tag while the same lady told me I could wait outside until he found it. I of course ignored her and waited for him to find it. All in All the golf was great but the people left a lot to be desired.